Dropbox - Why You Shouldn't Need Your USB Again

If you are still toting around and trying to keep track of your USB thumb-drives and moving files from your home and work computers that way, read this article about the cloud storage solution that is free for the everyday user. Best of all...Dropbox syncs with Moodle as a file repository!

Dropbox is a cloud storage solution that is free for the everyday user. Dropbox will start you out with 2GB of storage space when you first sign up. You can increase your free space by sending referrals for Dropbox to your friends and colleagues. You can also purchase additional storage with prices starting at $9.99 per month.

Getting Started with Dropbox:

1. Go to Dropbox.com and create a user account. (Don't forget the user name and password you used as you will need these when you log into Dropbox from other computers and/or devices.)
2. Install the Dropbox desktop client onto all computers that your regularly work on. This will add Dropbox as a file storage location within your computer.
3. Download the Dropbox app onto any mobile devices you use such as your Smartphone or iPad.

Basic Features of Dropbox:

• When saving a file - choose Dropbox as the location. Your file will automatically be synced with all of your other devices. Drag an existing file into your Dropbox to save it in the Cloud.
• Create folders within Dropbox to keep your files organized. 
• Share folders or single files with others for collaboration. Changes that are made to the file will automatically sync for all the users. 
• Eliminates the need to send large attachments over email.
• Reduces confusion on which file version is the latest.
• Shares family photo albums - as you add new photos to the album everyone you have shared the album with automatically has access to the photos.
• No limit to the number of people who can share a folder.
• If you are using a computer that you normally don't use such as in a campus computer lab, log into Dropbox.com and download your file from there. You have access to your files from ANY computer or device with Internet access.
• Camera Uploads: This is an optional automatic feature that will upload all the photos you take with your Apple devices and/or Smartphone to your Dropbox account.
• Drag and drop files from your Dropbox folder into your Moodle course.
• Store any type of file in Dropbox.

More information:

• Saving your email attachments directly to Dropbox
• Dropbox for Dummies: Why You Shouldn't Need Your USB Key Again
• More Dropbox tips